'Gen Z protest' may have aided Bankipur win: Prashant Kishor after BJP bastion falls

New Delhi - Founding chairman of Jan Suraaj, Prashant Kishor, claimed on Monday that the nationwide protests by Gen Z may have contributed to his victory in the Bankipur bypoll. Kishor emerged victorious in the constituency, defeating the BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar by more than 19,000 votes. This win marked the first time in three decades that the BJP did not hold Bankipur.

The assembly seat had been under BJP rule since 1995, but the party's three-decade dominance was challenged by the Gen Z protests and Kishor's campaign. Kishor did not rule out joining any political alliance and emphasized his party's commitment to an independent course in Bihar politics. He credited his victory to support beyond Jan Suraaj's core supporters, including those from BJP, Congress, and RJD.

Kishor described the mandate as a rejection of the Bihar government, particularly against Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who faced criticism for criminal antecedents and lack of qualifications. The BJP acknowledged that Kishor had tapped into the growing discontent among the party's traditional upper-caste support base, particularly over issues such as the UGC regulations.

Student activists and leaders from various parties hailed the result as a significant victory against the BJP, highlighting the shift in public mood and the potential for a change in government.